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Six in ten American voters believe the implementation of artificial intelligence technology is progressing too quickly, according to a new Fox News poll that also reveals widespread skepticism about the federal government’s ability to effectively regulate AI systems.
The survey, conducted in late January, found that 60% of registered voters feel AI adoption is moving at an excessive pace, while 30% believe the rate of implementation is appropriate. Only a small minority – 6% – think AI development is proceeding too slowly.
Concerns about AI’s rapid advancement cross political lines but show notable demographic variations. Women, white voters, seniors over 65, and Democrats are more likely than their counterparts to express unease about the technology’s swift integration into society. This suggests broader societal concerns that transcend typical partisan divides.
The poll also uncovered significant doubt about Washington’s regulatory capabilities, with 63% of voters expressing little or no confidence in the federal government’s ability to properly regulate artificial intelligence. This skepticism has remained relatively stable since 2023, indicating persistent public concern about the government’s technical expertise and regulatory effectiveness in this emerging field.
Interestingly, certain demographic groups showed greater confidence in governmental regulatory capabilities. More than half of MAGA supporters (57%), Republican men (55%), and those identifying as very conservative (52%) expressed trust in the government’s ability to oversee AI development – a finding that runs counter to these groups’ typically skeptical view of federal regulation in other domains.
Despite widespread media coverage and growing business adoption of AI technologies, a slim majority of voters (53%) report that artificial intelligence has made little difference in their personal lives. The remainder were nearly evenly split, with 26% saying AI has helped them personally and 20% reporting it has caused harm.
The demographic breakdown of personal AI impact reveals telling patterns. Men, particularly fathers (46%) and those under 45 (43%), were most likely to report beneficial effects from AI technology. Young voters under 30 were also notably positive, with 45% saying AI has helped them compared to 28% reporting harm. Conversely, nonwhite women (33%) and mothers (29%) were the demographic groups most likely to report negative personal impacts from AI.
These findings come amid an accelerating push to implement AI across numerous sectors of the American economy, from healthcare and education to financial services and transportation. Major tech companies continue to release increasingly sophisticated AI models, while businesses across industries are rapidly adopting these technologies to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
The poll results suggest a significant gap between the tech industry’s enthusiasm for AI and the public’s more cautious stance. This disconnect could have implications for policymakers attempting to balance innovation with appropriate safeguards and for companies seeking to build consumer trust in their AI-powered products and services.
The Fox News survey included 1,005 registered voters randomly selected from a national voter file and was conducted between January 23-26, 2026. Respondents were contacted through various methods, including landlines, cellphones, and text messages. The poll has a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points for the full sample, with higher margins for subgroups.
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8 Comments
The rapid integration of AI into our lives is understandably unsettling for many. I hope policymakers can work to address public fears and establish appropriate safeguards, while still allowing for continued technological innovation.
The public’s lack of confidence in the government’s ability to regulate AI is concerning. Effective oversight will require robust, well-informed policymaking that can keep pace with the technology’s rapid evolution. This is a significant challenge that merits close attention.
The rapid advancement of AI technology is understandably concerning for many. Striking the right balance between innovation and responsible oversight is crucial. I hope policymakers can address public doubts and find ways to guide AI’s progress responsibly.
Agreed, regulating emerging technologies like AI is a major challenge. The public’s skepticism about the government’s capability in this area is not surprising given the pace of change.
This poll highlights the public’s valid concerns about AI’s growing influence. While the technology offers many benefits, the potential risks and societal impacts require careful consideration. Meaningful regulation will be critical moving forward.
It’s interesting to see the demographic differences in perceptions around AI development. This suggests the need for a nuanced, multifaceted approach to regulating the technology and addressing various stakeholder concerns.
Absolutely, a one-size-fits-all solution is unlikely to be effective. Policymakers will need to engage diverse perspectives and tailor their approach to address the unique challenges posed by AI in different contexts.
AI development is a complex issue. I can see why the public has mixed feelings about the pace of AI adoption and the government’s ability to regulate it effectively. It’s an important topic that deserves thoughtful discussion.